Dickinson College: Acceptance Rate and Your Chances
Updated June 2026 · CollegeCalcAI
| Acceptance rate | 37% |
| SAT (75th percentile) | 1380 |
| ACT (75th percentile) | 31 |
| Location | PA |
| School type | Private |
Dickinson College is a private liberal arts college in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. It accepts about 37% of applicants, placing it in selective territory among small liberal arts schools. Dickinson is known for a curriculum with a global and sustainability focus, and it draws students who are looking for a rigorous, internationally minded education.
Calculate your chances at Dickinson College free →How hard is it to get into Dickinson College?
At 37%, Dickinson accepts fewer than four in ten applicants. That is competitive, though not out of reach for a well-prepared student. The school draws applicants who are interested in its particular approach to education, so the pool tends to include motivated students with strong academic records.
Dickinson is a smaller school, which means class sizes are tight and the admissions team is building a specific kind of community. Students who show genuine curiosity and some sense of what they want from college tend to stand out in the application process.
Test scores that make you competitive
Admitted students at Dickinson score around 1380 on the SAT at the 75th percentile, with an ACT equivalent of 31. A score in the 1200-1380 SAT range or 27-31 ACT range is competitive for most applicants.
Dickinson has offered test-optional admissions in recent years. If your scores do not fully capture your ability, applying without them while presenting a strong GPA and activities record is a viable path.
What Dickinson College looks for
Dickinson reviews applications holistically and pays close attention to your academic record, the rigor of your courses, and your personal statement. The school values intellectual engagement, and students who can demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for learning, rather than just listing accomplishments, tend to write more compelling applications.
Community involvement and leadership matter, but again, depth counts more than breadth. Dickinson's curriculum has an internationally focused component, so students who have shown curiosity about the world beyond their immediate experience often connect well with what the school is looking for.
Estimate your chances at Dickinson College
CollegeCalcAI offers a free calculator at collegecalcai.com where you can get a personalized estimate of your chances at Dickinson based on your GPA, test scores, and activities. It is a quick, free way to get a more specific read on where you stand rather than relying on the overall acceptance rate.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dickinson College's acceptance rate?
Dickinson College accepts about 37% of applicants, making it a selective small liberal arts college.
What SAT or ACT score do I need for Dickinson College?
The 75th percentile SAT score for admitted students is 1380 and the ACT is 31. Scores in the 1200-1380 SAT or 27-31 ACT range are competitive. Dickinson has offered test-optional admissions in recent application cycles.
Is Dickinson College hard to get into?
It is moderately selective. A 37% acceptance rate means that most applicants are not admitted, but a strong academic record and a thoughtful application give you a real shot.
See your real odds at Dickinson College
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Sources: U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS), NCES, and publicly reported Common Data Sets. Acceptance rate and score figures are rounded and reflect recent admissions cycles. How we calculate chances.